Love this place, small, personable, fresh made Italian food. The sauces are absolutely delicious. If you remember the laughing cat restaurant in Ybor city the food is the same. Same owner with and dedication to perfection. read more

Ricky & Mela - Italian Near Me - Riverview, Florida

We go here from time to time. Usually good. We have our favorites. But on the last trip in the staff (2) yelled at us about reservations when we walked in. No, we did not make a reservation. They snapped about a couple tables to choose from. Neither was prepared for guests and cramped in between other tables. It was just a rude negative vibe from the start. My impulse was to get up and leave but we stayed and ordered. The lasagna was bland and the pasta sheets were so over cooked it was like goo. the other dish has so much dijon in the sauce it was not good. disappointing especially for the price. Will try again another day....every place has an off day. read more

Caffe Italia offers up huge portions of Italian food in a small environment but the experience was sub-par. My wife and I had plans down on Big Bend and figured we would get dinner in the area. A day ahead, I made reservations for 7:45pm. Their website suggests making a reservation for Friday and the weekend days. We arrived a few minutes prior and walked in. This place is super small. Inside the doors, were standing in-between two tables. People were sitting right by the door. We awkwardly stood there for nearly 5 minutes waiting for someone to seat us. With the crowd of diners staring at us and no hostess stand, we didn't know what to do. Eventually, the server that was running around came by and asked if we had a reservation, we did, and a minute or so later were seated over in the corner. This place was busy! We sat for a while before the server came around to bring us menus and take our drink order. We just got waters. This place is BYOB so you can bring your own wine and glasses. If you have to borrow glasses, they charge a fee. Our server came back with our waters and some warm bread for the table. We put in an order of the bruschetta for an appetizer and shortly after we made our dinner order. We sat and waited and waited and waited some more. We were brought a 2nd basket of bread. The bread was really good. Warm, fresh and went well with some butter on it. We continued to wait. We were even offered a third basket of bread but that never arrived. As we sat and waited, we tried to rationalize how long it was taking. We were informed they were short a server so a girl from the kitchen was also running tables. All we knew was that the food reviews here were decent and we hoped it was worth the wait. It was nearly 9pm. The server came back around and asked if we ever got our appetizer, more than an hour after we were seated. That still took another 10 minutes or so. We had the appetizer and it was good. Our food came out closer to 9:30pm. We waited nearly 2-hours for dinner and they close at 10pm. I will say, the food is tasty but we didn't enjoy it. Were were past the point of wanting to eat dinner. We'd been sitting at that table picking at bread and drinking water for so long, were ready to go home. The food servings are huge. I ordered the Chicken Yolanda. This was two large chicken breasts, lightly breaded, stuffed with Italian sausage. It had provolone, red peppers and a sherry wine sauce. My wife's pollo parmigiana was traditional. Red sauce, chicken breasts and cheese. It was a huge portion too. We also got sides of pasta and green beans to share. Both of those were ok. Nothing blew our mind. After waiting over an hour for even an appetizer, that was just toasted bread with cheese and diced tomatoes on it, we had lost our appetites. By the time our food came out around 9:30pm, we were done. We each ate about a third of our meals and asked for to-go boxes. The feeling we had getting up and walking out the door was freeing and we felt relieved. We went to dinner at 7:45pm and got home at 10:15pm! My wife and I don't go down to Big Bend often unless we have to. It's too busy and the drivers are horrible. This review is true to the experience we had for this particular night. They were short staffed and while I took that in to account, the food just didn't stand out as amazing, just good. We wanted it to to make up for the wait time but it didn't. I'm sure you can check out Caffe Italia out for yourself any other night of the week and hopefully have a better experience. As for the question of if we will be back? I'd say no. read more

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The food was so fresh and authentic! Absolutely the best Italian in the area. I will definitely be back.

Food was excellent. Service was very good. Staff were very friendly. Have been here 2 times. Definitely will go back again.

Will return - steaming hot food! Homey and casual, they get pretty busy on a Monday night with one serving staff by the time we left. The large chairs make the space looks jammed. Hot bread and yummy butter. They substitute mussels with claims, which I prefer anyway. The chicken masala tastes the best among the dishes we ordered. Eggplants parmigiana is plain. The portion is on the large side. They serve a huge bowl of pasta and hot mixed veggies on the house. The freebies are surprise but more surprise is their cooked veggie - LOVE it. They don't have liquor license. No fee for BYOB with your own glasses. read more

This place was amazing. The food was superb. Pricy but super!!!! Definitely recommend. read more

We walked in and it smelled like a sewer. Not a good 1st impression. Gave us the worst table in the place for 2 almost in the kitchen. Still gave it time because some of the best dives have great food but this was not the case. Lasagne tasted like Stouffers and on the bread service came out with a scoop of butter like they took it out of the 25lb ci to set. So weird. Lasagne was beyond basic. piccata was average and best thing about the place was being able to bring in wine but they charge $5/glass read more

Amazing! Weird ambiance but the food is amazing and well worth it!! Portion is also very large read more

This is my favorite place. The best Italian food I've had outside of Italy. It's BYOB so it's nice being able to bring our own bottle of wine (bring your own glasses) and no have to pay the restaurant prices or corkage fees. We always have leftovers and somehow even the breaded chicken is still amazing the next day. The chef is amazing and the wait staff has always been great. Every now and then we have had to wait a bit for our food but it has always been worth it. This whole in the wall is a true gem. read more

Experiencing a hard day compounded by being yelled at and cursed at is incredibly disheartening. The pre-determined arrangement was not honored, which only added to the frustration. The absence of air conditioning, subpar food, and flat soda worsened the situation further. Being yelled at and cursed by the Chef was completely unacceptable and unprofessional. read more

Horrible service 100% DO NOT recommend going here with a large party.They're less than accommodating even AFTER making a reservation. They even went to great lengths to express it will be "FAMILY STYLE" only for the chef to come out changing the whole arrangement & yelling, being flat out rude. Needless to say all 34 OF US left! We felt so uncomfortable after that experience. What a way to make our day feel that much worse.. this was suppose to be a dinner after our grandmothers funeral, with family that flew in from all over. You missed out on potential business & I hope you do better. I'll be sharing my experience throughout the foodie community as well. read more

We called ahead of time for a large party after a funeral. It was said to be family style then the chef came out yelling and tried to change things. The staff was extremely rude, everyone felt disrespected. read more

I'd give this place 0 stars if I could. Absolutely worst experience of my life. Went after my grandmothers funeral and my family was completely disrespected and cursed at over a misunderstanding. Just go next door to Mi Casa where they have AC, don't have to bring your own alcohol and cups to have a drink and the food and people are fantastic! read more

You would not even know it was here in this strip mall behind sonic, off of big bend, but once you tried it you will never forget it. Classic Italian done right. My husband had the special, a pork chop stuffed with cheese and prosciutto, in a mushroom Sherry sauce. The sides were pasta rigatoni and the best green beans and carrots cooked in garlic and butter they were cooked to perfection, crisp but not raw. I had a gnocchi carbonara, perfect and airy gnocchi and the sauce was on point. We both took home leftovers. You can bring your own wine and glasses. Our server was busy but attentive. It's a small place, mostly two and four seat table tops. read more

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OVER PRICED! Food was horrible. There were 10 in our party. I ordered the Cheese Ravioli it was $22.95. I got 10 boiled raviolis that were not homemade, with some butter and sprinkled parmesan cheese. The Spaghetti pasta was thick and not done, The three meatballs where ok, but small . The roasted potatoes that were the side offered with the chicken parmesan was fried frozen TATOR TOTS out of a bag! lol There wasn't even a house salad offered before the meals at that price. We all ordered something different and they all were not good. The soup was ridiculous. It wasn't soup. It was a pasta with big butter bean looking beans, blan no taste. We will never go back. No one finished their dinner. All the portions were child size in small bowls and the only thing worth eating was the bread served with small cups of olive oil, not toasted and you had to ask for butter. All around it sucked. I wished I took pictures. But we were all shocked with what we thought was going to be a great dinner. So my glass of tea, 10 raviolis and 3 little pieces of bread cost me $30 before the tip. Wow! Never again! read more

I have come here often with my own family, but after the disgusting way my friends were treated tonight I will never ever walk foot back in this place! Your food taste just like your business 0 stars. read more

Ok food. WAY overpriced for this type of place. A Coke is $4.50. All meals we had, tasted good but not great. Much better choices around for the average price of an entree in the high twenties. read more

The food was not amazing. I had the chicken and broccoli Alfredo - the sauce was so thin not thick at all. Is it just me or is Alfredo suppose to coat the noodles. Also had the seafood bisque, mystery seafood was rubbery. The cream separated for the base. Service was friendly and prompt. I would never be back read more

Authentic Italian food, so delicious. The portions for the price are excellent, and it is easier to find a reason to go than to find a favorite, as ALL dishes are so good. read more

Came in for dinner on a Friday evening with reservations at 7:15pm. Food taste DELICIOUS. Only 4 stars for now because service was not attentive. Atmosphere is loud depending how pack it is. And it's was. FULL house!!!!! Overall will definitely be back but not impressed with how tight all the tables are together. That being said - haven't had dessert but food taste & portions are EXCELLENT. read more

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This is real deal Italian food! The space is small but the flavors are huge! I would love to keep this little hidden gem all to myself but here i am - letting my secret cravings spot go out to the masses. The chef, his assistant, and his family of servers were spot on. So so good. Don't be a fool and sleep on this place. read more

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This place is filthy and expensive. The menu does not list that you will get charged for a refill. If you want to split your meal they charge you $8. The salad that was ordered was Parmesan cheese and dressing, completely discussing due to the amount of cheese that was mixed in with the lettuce. Probably worth .50 cents not $8. read more

Ricky & Mela - Caesar Salad $8 - Italian Near Me - Riverview, Florida

Great service even better food! Got the Lasagna and husband got chicken parm. HUGE portions read more

Absolutely amazing! Stopped by for dinner for the first time and was blown away. It's a small quiet local Italian restaurant with a huge selection. The server and chef was so welcoming and helped us select what to order. Can't wait to return next time I'm visiting. read more

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Sublime. My water was an attentive work hours. The flavors are insane. Even just a hot tea hits different. Expect to pay a decent penny for the most worth it Italian food I've had in the country. I'd be really surprised if this small little Italian cafe didn't get a M star one of these days. Wow. Just wow. read more

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The food is unbelievably great! I am so glad I am back in the area and make this my go-to place for Italian! Love the chef and the servers. Make reservations in advance. Good things fill up fast. read more

Food was very good. The eggplant parmigiana was the bes I every had. Mike our waiter was so attentive ‼

I'm not sure how this place is still open and serving food to people. There was not one redeeming quality of anything. And it is filthy inside. I am disgusted. read more

The food was outstanding! I ordered the pork chop special. It was hot and tasty with a mushroom sauce, and served with vegetables and pasta. Too much for one person to eat. Wasn't crowded but there was a Mexican restaurant nearby which was very busy. We did not see a children's menu, but hopefully they are able to offer something for kiddos. Also they do not have a liquor license but encourage customers to bring wine. We will go back with wine and friends! read more

Excellant food!! The veal parmigiana is the best. The ambiance is lacking and the capacity of seating is very over crowded and the table and chairs are on top of each other. The wait staff is good and the owner(chef) Is lacking in his social skills. BUT: The food is excellent. read more

My husband and I visited this restaurant on Saturday night. The food/service was good. We ordered fried calamari rings, 2 orders of Linguini Malafemmina, a soda and water. We are giving you one star because the food was good, however your server made a shady transaction and falsified our receipt. For 2 people service our tip was 18%. Our total including tip was $88.95 but your guy altered the transaction and included an additional $10.56. The final bank transaction reflects $99.51. Do the math of our order. This is fraud by the way and very shady business which we have reported with our bank. Pay attention to your receipts and bank statements. read more

Ricky & Mela - Italian Near Me - Riverview, Florida

If I could rate 0 stars, I would. There was a hair in my mom's food, so we explained that to the waiter. The waiter brought the owner out. The owner proceeded to SCREAM at us calling us a liar. He kept screaming at my mom asking how long the hair was. He said that if we didn't like the dish, we should've sent it back instead of lied. My mom told him she didn't even try it. The owner then kicked us out of the restaurant! I am appalled at this. Do not EVER come here. read more

Ricky & Mela - Proof of violation. - Italian Near Me - Riverview, Florida

We discovered this eatery several yrs ago while visiting my Son who lives in Riverview. It has become our go to restaurant every time we are there. All meals come out fresh and tasty . Fettuccini Genovese is my FAVE! BYOB! Muzzy "5 Stars " read more

I've long been a loyal customer of Caffe Italia. In fact, I've been patronizing them since their Laughing Cat days in Ybor, way before the partners went their separate ways and one of the chefs relocated to southern Hillsborough and opened what is now Caffe Italia. However, my experience last night while ordering take-out was absolutely disappointing.  Upon arriving to pick up my order, I had noticed that all restaurant staff were not wearing masks, which was worrying. We're smack dab in the middle of a pandemic and COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the country, especially here in Florida. To be honest, I felt uneasy walking into such a small, tightly packed environment before I had even arrived, but it was my wife's birthday, and Caffe Italia is one of her favorite places to dine. I got there and called into the restaurant to ask if they'd be able to bring out our order, and the server agreed. He came right up to my window, unmasked, with no regard for his customer's safety. Food was outstanding as always. But I prefer my Pollo Yolanda, without the risk of a COVID-19 transmission. And to witness this type of behavior from an establishment I once loved so dearly is disheartening (and dangerous).  Sadly, my family and extended family members have decided we will no longer return to Caffe Italia. If you're into patronizing a business that does not heed the CDC's mask-wearing guidance, then this is the place for you. If not, definitely dine elsewhere. read more

We visited for my aunts birthday. Everything was amazing. I had the special pork chop which was among one of the best meals I have had this year. We had so much food my family will be eating for the next 2 days. Dessert was chocolate mousse which we took home ! read more

It's a small restaurant and doesn't look like it would be good, but looks are deceiving. The staff was attentive and we lacked for nothing. The food was delish!I had a gnocchi and it was perfect. My friend had the Alfredo and she loved it. It's the best Italian restaurant around this area and worth the drive if you are not a local. read more

I ordered the Pollo Scarpariello. This place is terrible. Worst Italian food in Tampa. They brought me boiled chicken pieces on a plate floating in some sort of white wine goo. The pasta was slimy and way over cooked. We had such high hopes for this place. Will not go back. read more

My 5 star rating is based solely on food and service. Our server was friendly and attentive. We did arrive early in the evening on a Friday when only one other table was occupied. Bread was brought out quickly and was just right. We ordered the caprese salad as an appetizer and it was fine. Our entrees were outstanding; chicken Yolanda for my husband and Ravioli Napolitana for me. The sauces were delicious and portions were massive. Again, this review is strictly for food and service as the atmosphere is soooo weird. The walls look like there were cats attacking each other, the acoustic ceiling is mismatched, there is weird random artwork and cheapo junky tables. Our salt and pepper shakers were crushed on top. So bizarre. I'd happily redecorate the place. Seriously... some paint, attractive paneling and proportionate art could make this place much more upscale and inviting. read more

Ricky & Mela - Italian Near Me - Riverview, Florida

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It's unfortunate because the food was REALLY good but the service was NOT. We made a last minute decision to go out to eat and weren't really dressed up. We got there and it took a bit of time to even have a server greet us (after being sat by a different server). He took our order and our food took FOREVER. I completely expect a little wait due to the disclosure on the front of the menu that food is made fresh but this was ridiculous. We ordered an appetizer, that we never got. They were not even packed when we got there but the other tables who came after us all got their food. Since it took so long and our young son was out of patience, so my husband took him outside. I asked for boxes and a check (we weren't even half way through our food). The server brought me both but just dropped the boxes off. I LITERALLY just watched them pack up the other tables food for them. I am NOT one to claim this but it was VERY obvious that because the other tables were dressed up a bit more (and older) the server was WAY more attentive. So, as I packed our food on my teeny table by myself , as the server walked off. It's really unfortunate this was my first experience here and the service was just SO bad but the food was good...smh. I probably will not be back. read more